Sumo is a sports competition between two rikishi (wrestlers). It takes place at the dohyo, which is a circular platform formed by partially buried rice straw bales 4.55 meters in diameter and is covered in sand. In order to win the match, the rikishi has to push or throw the opponent out the dohyo or force the opponent’s body part, other than the feet, to touch the floor. Unlike other sports, sumo does not classify the match based on the weight or height of the player, so it is common to see a huge size difference between the two opponents.
Rikishi pushing the opponent out of the dohyo – Photo credit: Japan Sumo Association on X
History
In the two oldest Japanese history books, Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, they talk about the myth of two rikishi competing to see who was strongest in power. Today, this legend is considered to be the origin of sumo wrestling. During the period when agriculture was the main producer for the country, sumo was performed as a ritual to pray for good harvest. It later became a court ceremony and remained this way for about 300 years.
Moving to the Karamura and Sengoku periods when samurai were active in politics, the sport became a form of battle training used by the samurai. Later in the Edo period, Sumo finally became the entertainment activity it is today among the public and a popular subject for ukiyo-e paintings. All in all, this long and extensive history just shows how much of a significant role this unique form of wrestling has played in the history and evolution of Japanese culture.
Sumo ukiyo-e by Utagawa Kunisada Photo credit: AQ-taro Images
Ooichō hairstyle – Photo credit: Japan Sumo Association Official Website
Rikishi Hairstyle and Mawashi
The rikishi are ranked based on the result of official games hosted by the Japan Sumo Association. This ranking is called banzuke and ultimately decides the mawashi (loincloth) style and hairstyle the wrestlers can wear during their fights. There are a total of 10 ranks that can be obtained. Rikishi has to rank above juryo to be considered a professional player to compete in the makuuchi division, and to do their hair in ooichō style. Also, the higher the rank, the fancier the mawashi that a participant wears.
Rikishi in different mawashi – Photo credit: Japan Sumo Association on X
How To Buy Tickets
Sumo competitions are hosted in January, March, May, July, September, and November by the Japan Sumo Association. For January, May, and September, the matches take place in Tokyo; for March, it can be found in Osaka; for July, it will be located in Nagoya; for November, it is found in Fukuoka. All of the separate competitions lasts for 15 days each month. The first day of the competition is called shonichi, and the last day is called senshuraku.
Floor seats in the kokugikan – Photo credit: Kentaro Ikushima from the Mainichi
The tickets can be purchased through several platforms, including the official website of the Japan Sumo Association, Seven-Eleven, the box office, and by telephone. The price of the tickets is classified based on the distance from the dohyo. The closer the seat is, the more expensive the ticket. The floor level will have cushioned floor seats, and the second floor will be theater chair style. The tickets are available to be purchased about 4 to 7 weeks prior to the shonichi each month. It can sell out really fast, so it is recommended to purchase the tickets as early as possible. The ticket-selling schedule varies each month, make sure to check out the official website of the Japan Sumo Association for specific dates.
Seat view of the kokugikan – Photo credit: Japan Sumo Association Official Website
The position of the audience plays a significant role in sumo. The four positions in the kokugikan (arena) are main, opposite, east, and west. They are labeled with a ribbon hanging down from the roof. During the game, the rikishi each stands in the east and the west, and the referee stands in the opposite. As a pre-game ritual, the wrestlers would perform shiko, where they stomp their feet in the direction of southwest and southeast. These two directions will be sprinkled with salt and water to purify the arena. The act of stomping their feet is believed to drive away evil spirits. At the venue, you can also get food and drink, and, of course, purchase merch!
Sumo is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture throughout history. Even nowadays, it is still a popular sport among the public, and rikishi holds high social status in society as well. You can also see sumo cartoon characters on a variety of products. If you are interested in Japanese culture, this is something you would not want to miss. Make sure to look up the season on the official website of the Japan Sumo Association, and have chankonabe (sumo hotpot) after watching a match!
